ANNOUNCER: Section 1. You will hear a man phoning a woman who lives in an English city called Banford to get some advice about moving to that city. First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 5. You will see that there is an example that has been done for you. On this occasion only, the conversation relating to this will be played first.
LINDA: Hello, Linda speaking.
MATT: Oh, hi, Linda. This is Matt Brooks. Alex White gave me your number. He said you'd be able to give me some advice about moving to Banford.
LINDA: Yes, Alex did mention you. How can I help?
MATT: Well, first of all, which area to live in?
LINDA: Well, I live in Dalton, which is a really nice suburb, not too expensive, and there's a nice park.
ANNOUNCER: Recommends a suburb called Dalton. So Dalton has been written in the space. Now we shall begin. You should answer the questions as you listen, because you will not hear the recording a second time. Listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 5.
LINDA: Hello, Linda speaking.
MATT: Oh, hi, Linda. This is Matt Brooks. Alex White gave me your number. He said you'd be able to give me some advice about moving to Banford.
LINDA: Yes, Alex did mention you. How can I help?
MATT: Well, first of all, which area to live in?
LINDA: Well, I live in Dalton, which is a really nice suburb, not too expensive, and there's a nice park.
MATT: Sounds good. Hmm. Do you know how much it would be to rent a 2 bedroom flat there?
LINDA: Yeah, you should be able to get something reasonable for £850 per month. 1 That's what people typically pay. You certainly wouldn't want to pay more than £900 – that doesn't include bills or anything.
MATT: No, that sounds all right. I'll definitely have a look there. Are the transport links easy from where you live?
LINDA: Well, I'm very lucky. I work in the city center, so I don't have to use public transport. I go by bike. 2
MATT: Oh, I wish I could do that. Is it safe to cycle around the city?
LINDA: Yes, it's fine, and it keeps me fit. Anyway, driving to work in the city center would be a nightmare, because there's hardly any parking. 3 And the traffic during the rush hour can be bad.
MATT: I'd be working from home, but I'd have to go to London one or two days a week.
LINDA: Oh, that's perfect. Getting to London is no problem. There's a fast train every 30 minutes. 4 Which only takes 45 minutes.
MATT: That's good.
LINDA: Yeah, the train service isn't bad during the week. And they run quite late at night. It's weekends that are a problem. 5 They're always doing engineering work. And you have to take a bus to Hadham and pick up the train there, which is really slow. But other than that Banford's a great place to live. I've never been happier.
ANNOUNCER: Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 6 to 10. Now listen and answer questions 6 to 10.
LINDA: There are some nice restaurants in the city center, and a brand new cinema, which has only been open a couple of months. 6 There's a good arts center too.
MATT: Sounds like Banford's got it all.
LINDA: Yes, we're really lucky. There are lots of really good aspects to living here. The schools are good, and the hospital here is one of the best in the country. 7 Everyone I know who's been there has had a positive experience.
LINDA: Oh, I can give you the name of my dentist too, in Bridge Street, if you're interested. 8 I've been going to him for years, and I've never had any problems.
MATT: Oh, OK, thanks.
LINDA: I'll find his number and send it to you.
MATT: Thanks, that would be really helpful.
LINDA: Are you planning to visit Banford soon?
MATT: Yes, my wife and I are both coming next week. We want to make some appointments with estate agents.
LINDA: I could meet you if you like, and show you around.
MATT: Are you sure? We'd really appreciate that.
LINDA: Either a Tuesday or Thursday is good for me, after 5:30.
MATT: Thursday is preferable – Tuesday, I need to get home before 6 pm. 9
LINDA: OK, great. Let me know which train you're catching, and I'll meet you in the café outside. 10 You can't miss it. It's opposite the station, and next to the museum.
MATT: Brilliant. I'll text you next week then. Thanks so much for all the advice.
LINDA: No problem. I'll see you next week.
ANNOUNCER: That is the end of section 1. You now have half a minute to check your answers.